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Leo Nunez returns but not ready to close

Leo Nunez is available tonight, but the right-handed reliever will not assume Matt Lindstrom’s closer role just yet.

Nunez, who is slowed by a strained right ankle, was put through a workout before batting practice Saturday — running, cutting off the mound, covering first base — and passed.
Nunez will pitch in the middle innings if needed. Left-hander Dan Meyer is the closer du jour.

“I think it would be irresponsible on my part to run him out there in the ninth inning not knowing how his ankle is going to react,” manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “The smart thing would be to use him early on.”

Gonzalez will not name a definitive closer in Lindstrom’s absence, at least not yet. Nunez, who tweaked his ankle Tuesday, and Meyer should get the bulk of the opportunities.

THE LINEUP

With left-hander Scott Kazmir on the mound today, Brett Carroll gets the start in right field and Ronny Paulino is behind the plate.